Shocking new evidence of ongoing torture and sexual violence in Sri Lanka

Commenting on a newly released report by the International Truth & Justice Project (ITJP), Still Unfinished War: Sri Lanka’s Survivors of Torture and Sexual Violence 2009-2015 which details more than 40 torture sites in Sri Lanka while naming over 60 rapists and torturers, Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

“The newly documented evidence of torture, sexual violence and harassment of Tamils by officials in Sri Lanka under complete impunity and as recently as July 2015, is horrifying.

The report looks at
• 180 cases of post-war torture and/or sexual violence in Sri Lanka
• eight accounts of torture and sexual abuse that occurred after January 2015, and fourteen cases that occurred in 2014
• 84 witnesses who were asked about reprisals against their families

“This new evidence confirms what we have already known - systematic and widespread crimes against humanity, sexual violence and intimidation have not ceased with the change of government, now under Maithripala Sirisena.

“The men in the former Sri Lankan government who committed war crimes and crimes against humanity are under impunity and some are still holding official positions.  They must be held accountable for their crimes.

“Even though Australia will continue to maintain its silence against Sri Lanka’s atrocities, it is so crucial the international community does not drop their support for an independent international war crimes investigation.

“Structural genocide in Sri Lanka continues.  Crimes against humanity by Sri Lankan government officials continue.

"The appointment of accused war criminals to top military positions and diplomatic posts indicates that victims and survivors in Sri Lanka cannot expect justice from any domestic mechanism.

“The Greens will continue to campaign for an independent international war crimes investigation and will continue to raise the ongoing structural genocide in Sri Lanka.